Why Free Energy Audits & Retrofits Are Necessary for the Economically Disadvantaged

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), utility bills burden the poor and can cause homelessness.

Although the definition of “affordability” includes both rent and utilities, people do not usually think of the impact of utility bills on low-income households. Utilities impose a disproportionate burden on the poor. For single, elderly poor and disabled persons living on Social Security Income (SSI), the average energy burden was 19 percent of SSI. In selected States—Delaware, Illinois, and Vermont—it was nearly 25 percent.

For Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), the energy burden was, on average, seven times greater than for families at median income. AFDC families paid an average of 26 percent of their income toward energy, while median income families spent an average of less than 4 percent of their income on energy.

The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association released a study on April 5, 2001, that finds "Millions at Risk for Energy Cutoff". The results of a study showing that as many as 3.6 million families in 18 states, plus the District of Columbia, risk having their energy cut off because of the effects of rapidly increasing energy costs. Some states have moratoria on utility cutoffs during the cold months; some do not.

Utility cutoffs cause homelessness. This can be documented in communities by following the example of Greg Copeland of the Energy Cents Coalition in St. Paul, Minnesota. “FROM HEATLESS TO HOMELESS” is a study based on research of 1997 St. Paul municipal records on evictions due to condemnation. Energy Cents’ analysis revealed:

• 26 percent of evictions were due to electric and gas termination.
• 40 percent of evictions were due to water cutoffs
  

The termination of service can threaten the home, health, safety, and perhaps even the life of household members.

If you or if you know of anyone who would benefit from a free home energy audit and energy retrofit service for his or her home, call ENPULSE at 336-370-1088 ext. 112.

Energy Audit & Retrofit Program Featured on WFMY

Greensboro, NC--Low income families are getting help with their energy bills.

The ENPULSE Energy Conservation program is providing home energy audits and retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient.

Organizers say it could save 15 to 30 percent on your energy bill.

Qualifying Greensboro residents can get up to 20 free compact fluorescent light bulbs and a programmable thermostat.

"What we're really trying to do is affect the folks that would need this help the most by helping them save money on energy," said Derrick Giles, President of ENPULSE Energy Conservation. "They could use that money on anything, whether it be drugs [medicine], foods, other necessities of life, but not necessarily paying their electric and gas bills."

The program is funded with stimulus money, along with grant money from the City of Greensboro.

For more information on the program or to find out if you qualify, call 336-370-1088 ext. 112.

To see the report, visit WFMY.

Stimulus Funded Energy Audit & Retrofit Program Available in Greensboro

Through a grant administered by the City of Greensboro and funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Recovery (CDBG-R) program, ENPULSE Energy Conservation, Inc. (ENPULSE) is providing free basic home energy audits and energy retrofit services to low-income homes and apartments within the City of Greensboro.

“During tough economic times such as these, it is critical that those with the most need have an opportunity to participate in the critical mission of saving energy as well as money, “said Derrick E. Giles, P.E., Energy Manager for ENPULSE Energy Conservation, Inc. “As ENPULSE began eight years ago, most did not know the meaning or value of sustainability and what it meant for the environment or economy. At ENPULSE, our primary goal is to engage in behavior modification practices intended to increase awareness concerning the value of minimizing energy usage among low-income utility customers.”

The basic home energy audit will include a visual inspection to identify energy and money-saving opportunities for occupants and up to 20 free compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). In addition, if occupants currently do not have a programmable thermostat, ENPULSE will install a brand new one at no cost to the resident.

According to an Economic Opportunity Studies report by Meg Power, PhD, the “energy burden” to low-income households in the South can be anywhere from 17% to 19% of income to keep as warm or as cool as five years ago. Those who are not low-income typically spend between 4% - 5% of their total household income on utility bills.

For more information regarding the EARP, contact ENPULSE at 336-370-1088 ext. 112.